Colchester United’s Community Stadium

Striker Will Grigg saved Wigan’s blushes with a 90th minute equaliser against bottom of the league Colchester in a high scoring draw.

Second placed Latics dominated the early play and went ahead through Yanic Wildschut but the U’s equalised through Alex Gilbey’s 25 yard strike.

Ryan Colclough restored Wigan’s advantage before half time but just after the restart another excellent shot from distance by Elliot Lee drew the U’s level.

Colchester were then awarded a controversial penalty when Reece Wabara appeared to win the ball from George Moncur, but referee Kevin Johnson awarded a spot kick and Moncur converted.

With time running out substitute Craig Davies’ deflected shot found Grigg who scored his 10th goal in eleven outings and his 18th in all competitions.

Wigan made two changes from the team which drew with Peterborough with new signing Stephen Warnock making his debut and Sam Morsy returning from suspension. Jason Pearce and Conor McAleny missed out due to injury.

Latics dominated the opening half, controlling possession and it only looked a matter of time before they would take the lead.

Yanic Wildschut created the first two chances when he found Grigg on the penalty spot, but the forward was twice denied by good saves from Elliot Parish.

Max Power was then denied by Parish’s boot after a low shot from inside the area.

Colchester hit back when Moncur twice tested Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Latics deservedly went ahead when Grigg dispossessed Tom Eastman. The striker stole the ball before passing to Wildschut and the Dutchman finished expertly in the bottom right corner.

But Colchester were level five minutes later. Referee Johnson allowed the home team to take a free kick five yards ahead of where the foul was committed.

The ball was quickly played to Gilbey 25 yards out and the midfielder hit an unstoppable drive into the top right hand corner of Jaaskelainen’s goal.

It was not long before Latics were back in front.

Wildschut drove powerfully into the area before setting up Colclough, who finished low into into the bottom right hand corner.

Latics deservedly went into the interval ahead but the U’s struck early in the second half with another wonder strike.

Elliot Lee created space on the edge of the area before firing his blistering shot past Jaaskelainen, this time from 20 yards out.

With 60 minutes played Colchester were controversially awarded a penalty.

Moncur cut into the area and was tackled by Reece Wabara who put the ball out for a corner, but referee Johnson pointed to the spot and Moncur got up to convert the kick.

Latics were stunned to be behind after dominating for such long periods.

But this team is nothing if not resilient and they quickly set about pressing for the equaliser.

Wildschut went close to levelling when he evaded several defenders before firing across the face of goal.

Donervon Daniels had a header just over and substitute Andy Kellett grazed the crossbar with another effort.

Haris Vuckic replaced Daniels as Latics went for all out attack.

With 90 minutes on the clock substitute Craig Davies’ deflected shot fell to Grigg and the prolific marksman made no mistake to draw Latics level.

Vuckic nearly won it in added time but his left footed effort flew just wide of the left hand post.

Latics have now gone three games without a win and Gary Caldwell will be concerned that his team have been unable to kill off their opponents when they are in the ascendancy, in particular as against Peterborough and Colchester.

It is not a time to panic, as they still lead Gillingham and Walsall by three points, but they will want to get back to winning ways starting against Bradford City next Saturday.